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a low groundwater level, and a suitable mechanical
and chemical composition. Hop fields around Stekník
are configured at an altitude of about 200 m above
sea level.
Hop cultivation also generates many non-productive
functions, such as supporting biodiversity, stabilising
the climate, and minimising erosion. The use of tall
hop trellises has become a refuge for local fauna. The
hop field provides shelter for wild animals such ass
roe deer, hares, pheasants, foxes and martens, hop
trellis wires become a temporary refuge for songbirds
and birds of prey, for example kites, crows, ravens,
sparrows and tits. From a climate perspective,
hop biomass dampens the greenhouse effect by
absorbing the energy of sunlight and covering the soil
with its shadow. If wind or water erosion is to occur,
the distance between the plants will cause the soil not
to be irretrievably carried away or washed away.
2. Description Žatec semi-early red bine hops (Saaz variety)
are the variety most associated with Saaz hops.
From a brewing point of view, it is highly valued
and still recognised as a standard for top quality
in a demanding world market. It gives the beer
a real delicate hop aroma without side aromas and
a pleasant bitterness. The content of alpha and beta
68
acids in the hops is well balanced. Their mutual ratio
is in the range of 0.60-1.00. The composition of hop
Hop variety designation, Stekník, 2019 resins is characterised by a relatively low content of
bitter alpha acids. Concerning the variance of the
weather in a given year, it is in the average range
Hop field in May, Stekník, 2020
of 1.5-5.5 %. Another characteristic feature is the
presence of a large amount of ß-farnesene (14-20 %
rel.), which can be found only in a minimal amount in
other hops, and, conversely, a low content of myrcene.
The overall character of the aroma of Saaz hops is
given by the mutual ratio of all individual components
of the hop’s essential oils. The variety has undergone
centuries of development where its biological
properties have been formed and consolidated.
Socioeconomic significance of Saaz hops
Saaz hop growing was one of the primary sources
of livelihood and monetary income of the local
population as evidenced, for example, by the "Berní
th
rula" tax chronicle for the Žatec region from the 17
century. The monetary income of the burghers and
villeins significantly affected their overall economic
and social position. It thus accelerated the process
of social differentiation of the rural environment
th
in the 18 and 19 centuries. During this period,
th
the designation "green gold" became famous for
Saaz hops.
